A new namesake award will honor people who embody a University of Kansas administrator’s advocacy for Native American students.
Nominations are open for the Dr. Melissa Peterson Native Advocacy Award, according to a KU news release.
Peterson, Diné, is director of Hawk Link, co-executive director of the Mentored Scholars Program and an impact adviser at KU.
The award was first presented to Peterson during a private reception for KU Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival committee members and several graduating students, according to the release. She was given a medallion created by artist Robin Shield.
“I was shocked that the committee orchestrated this award,” Peterson said in the release. “But I am very honored and excited we get to honor someone new each year. We have talked about the different folks in our community who have stepped up and served, and this award is recognizing those individuals, many who serve not for the recognition.”
Peterson has worked at KU since 2015, strengthening the university’s relationships with tribal nations and increasing visibility for Native American culture on campus. She became the first director of tribal relations at KU in 2021 before transitioning to her current role. She’s further supported students as the KU First Nations Student Association adviser and in her work to strengthen relationships between KU and Haskell Indian Nations University.
Since 2017, the annual FNSA Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival has been held at the Lied Center. Anthea Scouffas, powwow committee member and Lied Center engagement and education director, said organizing the event alongside Peterson has been a highlight.
“Each year this event has grown and improved, and Melissa plays a huge role,” Scouffas said in the release. “The influence that Melissa has had on this event and on this university over the last few years is truly remarkable. Her leadership in organizing the KU powwow and collaborating with KU leadership to enhance the relationship between KU and tribal leaders has yielded significant outcomes.”
Peterson said in the release, “Little do they and the people I work with on the committee realize, they are the reason I do this work, and without them, this work is not possible.”
Nominations are open through Tuesday, Feb. 4. The submission form says the award is open to anyone who meets at least one of the following criteria:
• “Promote equal educational opportunity for Tribal Citizens in higher education;
• Help develop programs to enhance the education of Tribal Citizens;
• Promote, design, and coordinate support staff and faculty who work with Tribal Citizens;
• Promote education around Tribal Citizens in the educational setting for professional development growth; or
• Help dispel myths, stereotypes, and historical inaccuracies of Tribal communities.”
Recipients will be recognized annually at the Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival, which this year is on Saturday, April 12.
To learn more about the award and submit nominations, visit a KU Survey form, via kusurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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